Here’s a beautiful photo of my wisteria in bloom. I need it to remind me why I love that vine on my patio. After the flowers set seed they turn into giant seed pods. Right about now is when the seed pods dry out and start popping. They explode, sending out four or five seed Read More…
Author: Laura Z
Gardener in sunny SoCal
Newsflash: Rosary plant (Crassula rupestris) getting ready to flower
I have exciting news from my garden. The rosary plant has flower buds! I’m excited because my rosary plants don’t all bloom reliably every year. Rosary plants, or Crassula rupestris, have low-water growing requirements similar to other succulents, but prefer partial to deep shade. I love these little succulent plants. I’ve got them spread out Read More…
One of My Favorite Parts of Fall in Southern California: the California Native Plant Sale Oct 11 & 12 2008
I just got the postcard today! Admission is free and this comes perfectly timed for Fall Planting Season. This is a great place to find beautiful native plants for your area, even if you have dry shade, full blazing sun or live in a boggy canyon bottom. Plus they always have great food, so I’m Read More…
Liquid Amber Tree Brings Autumn to Los Angeles
I went in search of some leaves changing color for my LA blog just to prove we have Fall in Los Angeles. I knew I could rely on our Liquid Amber trees for a little fall color on this first day of Autumn. In LA Liquidambar styraciflua are used as street trees and a whole Read More…
Pretty, Perky Peppermint Plants, Planting Tips and Derby Day
One of the peppermint plants in my latest score from the 99 Cent Store is variegated. I took a close-up just for fun to share with my gardening pals. I admit to being fascinated with the many color variations that show up on plants like these. OK, here’s my hot mint tip: Never, ever plant Read More…
Mixed Herbs: Latest plant rescue, can you name them?
I just scored this pot-o-herbs the other day at the dollar store. It would be easy for you to name each plant if you could only smell my blog! This latest plant rescue are all herbs, and consists of one herb that will either grow upright or over the pot and has blue flowers . Read More…
Plant Profile: Rosemary Herb Plant Growth And Care
Did you know rosemary is drought tolerant? I’ve just added a new rosemary page to my So Cal gardening site where I try to focus on low water plants. Here are a few excerpts for my gardening blog pals: Fragrant rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis) is a perennial, evergreen shrub. Not only are they wonderful cooking herbs, Read More…
Make Your Own Organic Insecticidal Soap and Keep Your Garden Chemical Free
Make Your Own Organic Insecticidal Soap and Keep Your Garden Chemical Free
Latest Plant Rescue: Herbs and Succulents
Here’s the newest addition to the family. Plant rescues from the dollar store. None had tags, so I was going by the ‘bruise and smell the leaf’ method (on the herbs). Clockwise from the left are: mint, French tarragon, peppermint, rosemary and in the front a little succulent plant. I think it’s either a beat-up Read More…
Extra Income Idea For Gardeners: Plant and Tend Someone Else’s Vegetable Garden
I ran across this fascinating article about a guy who works as a gardener for people with a backyard, but no inclination. For a fee he’ll plant your garden, weed, water and even harvest your veggies. The attraction is that the produce will be locally grown and can also be pesticide free – or fit Read More…